Columns

The ancient scriptures tell us the story of a census, a time for everyone to register with the government and enroll with the powers that ruled over them. A young carpenter took his wife to Bethlehem because that was the city of David, and the story tells us, that is where the Roman ruler required them to go so they could be taxed.

A few Christmases back, my wife Leonna and I drove to Tennessee to visit her sister and family who live in a rural area near Clarksville. They reside on three acres in a charming two-story ranch house with their three young boys and older daughter.

I was looking forward to the visit because I hadn’t been able to spend time with the younger children since they were born.

“We should stop reviewing comed-ies.” That is the title of an article I wrote for my website over a year and a half ago, and I’ve stuck to it, aside from “This Is the End,” but I made an exception for that since it was an apocalyptic comedy.

After watching “Dumb and Dumber To,” I felt compelled to break my own rule again. The exception this time: a comedy sequel to a beloved movie from my youth.

I was chided last year for not reminding readers about the approach of St. Nicholas Day until the day before his visit. Not so this year. St. Nicholas is coming Dec. 6, so there is well more than a week to make plans to take part in a great pre-Christmas tradition. Just don’t forget to put out your shoe the evening before the big day.

Talking with friends the other day about the Boy Scouts brought back a stream of fond memories. I was in scouting for eight years; Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers, from 8 to 16, some of the best years of my life. I lived for the camping trips and couldn’t get enough of swimming, canoeing, fishing and all aspects of the outdoor life.